Survivor Stories

Lidia*

Lidia came in with 2 children, no job or no form of income and did not drive. She was terrified to be away from her children and it created a tremendous amount of anxiety for her just thinking of it. She was on the verge of tears during many of her discussions w/staff. She stayed in shelter for just over 2 months. During that time, we were able to watch her grow in self-confidence. In spite of her fears, she was determined to move forward. Lidia learned to maneuver through the Pocono Pony bus system. She was able to get to the County Assistance office and apply for medical, cash assistance and food stamps. The assistance office got her into their Pathstones program to assist with finding employment and in doing so, she did not have to pay for daycare. She found a daycare that was willing to let her children start for a few hours each day prior to her beginning the program. Within 2 weeks of starting that program, she had prepared a resume and obtained employment. We gave her an ECHO voucher and she was able to get professional work attire. Shortly after that, she moved into PATH.

Angela*

Angela, who we’ve been working with through counseling for over three years, finally made the move to enter shelter. She had been abused, both physically and sexually, by her husband and had two children. For years, she would say she was coming into shelter, and then wouldn’t. Finally, she made the move and came in to shelter. She stayed for two weeks, continued counseling, and the Shelter Counselor/Advocates helped her to find a place to stay more long term. She was able to move into a family member’s house and continues to come in for counseling.

Annonymous

I’m not entirely sure who will be reading this email, but I had to just say a sincere and genuine Thank You to the staff at your facility. I am a survivor of domestic violence and your staff completely changed my life. A year ago, I would have been huddled up in my home scared and looking over my shoulder. Today, I proudly sat through my first class of the fall semester at Northampton Community College- confident and unafraid of my surroundings. I wouldn’t have been able to begin to get my life back on track without Women’s Resources and Jessie. You provide an amazing service to those who unfortunately need it. I truly hope that one day, domestic violence becomes non-existent and that those women who have lived through it are able to feel as empowered as I do. You have truly made an impact, for which I am beyond grateful. Thank you!